Delhi AQI Remains At 'Severe' As Thick Fog Engulfs Capital; Tamil Nadu Braces For More Rain | Photo: PTI Delhi AQI Remains At 'Severe' As Thick Fog Engulfs Capital; Tamil Nadu Braces For More Rain | Photo: PTI

As a thick layer of fog engulfs Delhimegapanalo, the air quality index of the capital continues to remain in the severe category, despite GRAP 4 measures in place.

With the AQI ranging from very poor to severe categories across Delhi-NCR, rain is also expected to hit the national capital region this week amid the cold wave in the northern region.

The air quality index at New Delhi continues to remain in the "Severe" level despite the implementation of GRAP-IV. As per the latest data made available by the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI has been recorded at 439, which is in the "severe" category. On Saturday, the AQI stood at "very poor" at 370.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. AQI levels at 450 and beyond is considered "severe plus." As the cold wave hits north India, the Indian Meteorological Department has forecast cloudy sky with light rain today.

As the cold wave across north India continues, an orange alert has been issued for Himachal Pradesh by the regional weather department. As per the forecast, a severe cold wave is expected in the districts of Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi this week. The met department also predicted light rain and snowfall at a few places in the mid and higher hills till Thursday.

“The final was really intense; the Chinese were breathing down our necks throughout the game and made it really difficult for us to create a clear goal scoring chance,” Harmanpreet said in a Hockey India release.

Temperatures continue to drop across India as the cold wave sets in. In HP, Tabo was coldest in with a low of minus 11. 6 degrees, while Sumdo, Kusumseri and Kalpa recorded a low of minus 5.3 degrees, minus 4.8 degrees and minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Furthermore, an active western disturbance is also expected to affect the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains from December 27 onwards, bringing in light rain and snow with it in isolated pockets.

Amid the cold wave in the north, a rain spell continues to hit southern India. In Tamil Nadu, rainfall warnings have been issued for this week.

As per the regional meteorological centre in Chennai, heavy rainfall is expected over Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Cuddalore districts and Puducherry on December 24 and 25.

The rain alert comes due to a law-pressure area depression over the Bay of Bengal. Light rain is also expected in north coastal Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh coasts and Karaikal.

(With inputs from PTI)megapanalo